The Noble Law helps clients in both North Carolina and South Carolina navigate issues of workplace discrimination, including pregnancy discrimination. You have the right to be treated fairly at work, and the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) forbids discrimination based on pregnancy. If you have been discriminated against because you are pregnant or because of conditions related to pregnancy, our employment law firm can help. Contact The Noble Law in North Carolina or South Carolina to schedule a consultation with an employment law attorney.
Although presenting many challenges and worries, pregnancy can be a time of unmatched excitement for the future as a woman prepares to bring a new life into the world. Unfortunately, not all employers share in that feeling of hope and instead use the condition against employees. A series of local, state, and federal laws provide protections for women facing pregnancy discrimination in the workplace; if you believe you have been treated unfairly because of pregnancy, it is a good idea to speak with an employment discrimination lawyer.
What is Pregnancy Disability Discrimination?
Pregnancy discrimination is unequal treatment by an employer due to an employee’s current pregnancy, or even because of a pregnancy loss. When an employer makes a decision based on an employee’s pregnancy status rather than her qualifications, it may violate the law.
If you are pregnant or have recently been pregnant and an employer does any of the following, they may be engaging in illegal discrimination:
- Ask you about a pregnancy in an interview
- Harass you because of your pregnancy or pregnancy-related medical condition
- Fire or demote you because of your pregnancy or pregnancy-related medical condition
- Reduce your hours because of your pregnancy or pregnancy-related medical condition
- Treat you differently from other temporarily disabled employees, particularly in a way that causes you a significant burden
- Deny you the same job or a similar one after a return from a pregnancy-related leave
In other words, if you experience a work-related treatment that is different and suspects that it is based on your recent or current pregnancy, it is a good idea to speak with an employment discrimination lawyer.
Federal pregnancy discrimination laws
The Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) and the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) both protect pregnant women. However, the protections under each are not identical.
Pregnancy Discrimination Act
The PDA adds pregnancy as a protected class under the Civil Rights Act. It applies to all employers with 15 or more workers and requires employers to treat employees fairly. Under the PDA, pregnancy-related conditions like morning sickness, complications leading to bed rest, and childbirth itself may be considered temporary disabilities and entitle pregnant workers to the same types of accommodations that other temporarily disabled employees would be afforded.
Family and Medical Leave Act
Employers with more than 50 employees within a 75-mile radius are subject to the FMLA. The FMLA provides that employees must permit expectant parents (of any gender) to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for the birth or adoption of a child. The FMLA protects that employee’s job and medical coverage until their return.
State pregnancy discrimination laws
State pregnancy discrimination laws in New York and North Carolina are as follows:
New York
In New York, state and local laws protect workers from discrimination based on familial status, including pregnancy. New York’s Paid Family Leave Law (NYPFL) also expands the benefits found under the FMLA, offering a short-term disability program that may pay up to one-half of an eligible employee’s weekly wage during the benefit period. If you are employed in NYC, the varying state and local protections can seem complicated, but a New York employment discrimination lawyer can help you understand what provisions are applicable in your situation.
North Carolina
In North Carolina, it is unlawful to discharge an employee because of her pregnancy or pregnancy-related medical condition. A North Carolina employment discrimination lawyer can determine which laws apply given your employment circumstances.
Speak with an employment discrimination lawyer today
The effects of pregnancy discrimination can ripple through a woman’s career for years to come, leading to missed advancement opportunities, reduced pay, and even an impaired professional reputation.
If you suspect you have lost your job or been treated unfairly due to a pregnancy-related condition, there may be legal remedies available. Speak with an employment lawyer at The Noble Law today to find out more about your rights. Consultations are free and confidential. We listen. We hear you. We understand.
The Noble Law – Employment Attorneys
You have the right to a safe workplace free of discrimination, including pregnancy discrimination. If you are being discriminated against or harassed in your workplace, an employment attorney at The Noble Law may be able to help. We provide clients with legal counsel and representation in North Carolina and South Carolina. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced employment law attorneys.
